A 68-year-old Texan died on Angels Landing on 17 April, and a 43-year-old California man died canyoneering alone in Spry Canyon on 22 April.
The deaths triggered emergency responses, temporary trail closures and investigations by the National Park Service and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The incidents have renewed debate over risks on Zion’s steep trails and rappelling routes, though park experts say such fatalities are usually accidents rather than infrastructure failures.
With millions visiting Zion, are recent deaths tragic accidents or a sign of a growing safety crisis on its trails?
Is the permit system for Angels Landing enhancing safety, or does it create a false sense of security for hikers?